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Overview: Zenpep is made up of a mixture of enzymes (pancreatic enzymes). It is used to help digest food in people whose pancreas is not working properly. Common side effects include headache, cough, feeling full after eating a small amount of food, and bruising. If not swallowed completely, you may experience irritation on the inside of your mouth. Make sure you take the capsules with enough liquid to swallow right away.

Uses

What is Zenpep used for?

Zenpep is commonly used to help break down and digest food in people whose pancreas is not working properly (pancreatic insufficiency). 

Zenpep may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Zenpep work (mechanism of action)?

Zenpep is made up of a mixture of enzymes (pancreatic enzymes), including lipases, proteases, and amylases. These enzymes help break down fats, proteins, and sugars from food in the small intestine. This helps the body digest and absorb important nutrients.

How is Zenpep supplied (dosage forms)?

Zenpep comes as a delayed-release oral capsule that is swallowed. 

How should I store Zenpep?

Zenpep should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 104 F (15 C to 40 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture.

Zenpep should be kept in the original bottle, which should be tightly closed when not in use. If there is a small paper packet or canister (desiccant) in the bottle, it should be kept inside the bottle. Do not eat the desiccant or throw it away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zenpep?

The most common side effects of Zenpep are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Bruising
  • Cough
  • Feeling full after eating a small amount of food

There may be other side effects of Zenpep that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zenpep?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zenpep are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Fibrosing Colonopathy. Some people who take high doses of Zenpep have developed a rare but serious condition called fibrosing colonopathy. In fibrosing colonopathy, scar tissue builds up in the colon (large intestine), causing narrowing (strictures) or blockages. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of this condition.

  • Unusual or severe nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, or bloating
  • Severe constipation
  • Severe or bloody diarrhea
  • Weight loss

High Uric Acid Levels (Hyperuricemia). Zenpep may increase your uric acid levels, especially if you have a history of high uric acid levels, kidney problems, or gout. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperuricemia.

  • Joint pain
  • Joint stiffness
  • Joint swelling or redness

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zenpep can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Zenpep and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zenpep?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Zenpep.

  • Amylase
  • Lipase
  • Pancreatic enzymes
  • Pancrelipase
  • Pork (pig) products
  • Protease
  • Zenpep
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zenpep.

What should I know about Zenpep before using it?

Do not take Zenpep unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about whether to adjust your dose based on your diet or weight.

Do not share Zenpep with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Zenpep out of the reach of children.

Zenpep should always be taken with a meal or snack. 

Zenpep should be swallowed whole. It should be taken with plenty of liquid to make sure it is swallowed completely. Do not allow Zenpep to stay in the mouth. If Zenpep is chewed, crushed, or left in the mouth, it can cause serious mouth irritation and sores.

If you cannot swallow Zenpep capsules whole, the contents of the capsule should be mixed with a soft acidic food (like applesauce, plain Greek yogurt, or bananas) and swallowed whole right away, without chewing. Do not keep the mixture for later use. After swallowing the soft food, drink plenty of liquid to wash all of the medicine out of the mouth and into the stomach. 

In infants less than a year old, Zenpep should only be used as prescribed, right before breastfeeding or formula feeding.  It should not be mixed directly into breast milk or formula. It can be mixed with a soft acidic food, like applesauce, and given to the infant right away. The contents of the capsule may also be sprinkled directly into the infant’s mouth. In either case, the infant should drink enough breast milk or formula right away to swallow all of the Zenpep. Look into the infant’s mouth afterwards to make sure there is no medicine left in the mouth.

Zenpep is made from the pancreas of pigs. These are the same pigs that people eat as pork.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zenpep?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Zenpep is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Gout
  • High uric acid levels
  • History of blocked or narrowed intestines
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zenpep could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Zenpep while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zenpep passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Zenpep while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does Zenpep interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zenpep and foods or drinks. Zenpep should always be taken with a meal or snack and plenty of liquid.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zenpep.

Does Zenpep interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Zenpep may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zenpep?

If you or someone else has used too much Zenpep, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zenpep?

If you miss a dose of Zenpep, skip the missed dose and take the next dose with your next meal or snack. Do not take double or extra doses.

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